Local Support Groups

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Support Groups


Sunshines and Rainbows Playgroup
A friendly playgroup who offer support and understanding to those affected by the loss of a baby, run solely by bereaved parents.Plenty of toys and activities. Held fortnightly on Thursdays 1300-1430 at Junior Trading Post, 26A high Street, Great Baddow, CM2 7HQ


Parent Support Group
A group for parents of children with social communication and / or Autism
Meets monthly at Kings Road Primary School
Kings Road, CM1 2BB
0930-1130
The following dates have been confirmed
Monday 5th October
Monday 9th November
Tuesday 8th December
No need to book, just turn up
for info contact maggie.loveday@essex.gov.uk



Bookstart in Essex
Bookstart aims to provide a free pack of books to every baby in the UK, to inspire, stimulate and create a love of reading that will give children a flying start in life. | In Essex the Bookstart programme is administered by libraries who work with a diverse range of Early Years Partners. Bookstart materials are widely given to families at health checks. There are sensory packs for deaf children - Bookshine - and blind children - Booktouch - (aged 0-4) Don't foget packs can be requested free from your local library. | For more info about Bookstart visit http://www.bookstart.co.uk

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Breastfeeding Support Groups

Please see Breastfeeding Support Page at Totsdays
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Chelmsford Children's Centres (Locations vary) | Various support groups including: Young Mums Drop Ins, Twins & Multiple Births Group, Shining Stars Premature Baby Support Group, Advice sessions, Stay & Play groups. All sessions are free of charge or you can just drop in. Call first to check opening times. | (Tel 01245 355217/475915/359013) http://www.chelmsfordchildrenscentres.co.uk
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Chelmsford Women's Aid | Run By Women For Women And Children. Charity that supports women who are experiencing or have experienced Domestic Violence. | PO Box 2538, Chelmsford CM1 1AP Tel 01245 493114 Email refuge@chelmsfordwa.co.uk
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Cloth Nappy Advisor | Advice on using cloth nappies. | Contact Kay Beighton, Essex County Council Email essexnappies@tiscali.co.uk or visit www.essex.gov.uk/nappies
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Essex Children's Information Service | Contact this information service for a list of childcare services and playgroups. | Broomfield Place, 189 Main Road, Broomfield, CM1 7EQ Tel 0800 055 6874
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Families inFocus (Essex) | Wide range of advice, information and support on issues of concern about your child with a disability. | Offers support groups, drop ins, activities for all the family. | Lancaster House, 140 Mildmay Rd CM2 OEB Tel Rachel Ellis 01245 353575 or email familiesinfocus@btconnect.com
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First Aid For Babies and Children | These informal courses are run by Chelmsford & District National Childbirth Trust. Open to members and non-members. | Learn the basics of CPR for babies and small children, together with brief discussions on : choking, febrile convulsions, burns & scalds.| Mums-to-be/new mums, husbands, partners, carers, grandparents etc welcome. | Courses run throughout the year - pre-booking essential. | Email Charlotte Lightfoot at charlottelightfoot@gmail.com or call 0870 420 8840 (Please note this no. is managed by an NCT volunteer at home, please avoid phoning during late evening hours or weekends.)
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Home-Start | This organisation helps families whom need support, friendship or advice during the early years. If you are feeling isolated, overwhelmed or in need of extra help, Home-Start can help, as long as you have at least one child under five. | Home-Start volunteers with parenting experience visit referred families, giving them both emotional and practical help.| Home-Start @ Unit9b, The Old Dairy, Reeds Farm Estate, Roxwell Road, Chelmsford CM1 3ST | 01245 421222 ________________________________________________________________________

MINI-MEND | Free Fun Programme for toddlers and their families. The Mini Mend Programme is a 10-week healthy lifestyle course for 2-4 year olds and their parents or carers. | Call 01621 727343 to join.
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NCT (National Childbirth Trust) | For antenatal classes, friendly advice, breastfeeding support and much more. | Call 0844 2436080 http://www.nct.org.uk

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Patchworks Multi-Sports Session | A fun activity session for adults and children with disabilities and their family and friends. | Every Sunday at Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre, Victoria Rd Chelmsford from 1000 - 1130 | £3.20 per session | For more info call 01245 615065
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PARC (Essex) | This charity provides a Play & Resource Centre in Great Notley Country Park. PARC is available for families who have a child or children with any type of additional need from a very early stage. Services include: Pre-School, Activities/youth/sports clubs, weekend/holiday respite, Sunday Morning "Stay & Play". | Tel 01376 528999 Email info@parc-essex.co.uk
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Parentlineplus | Parentlineplus is a national charity that works for, and with, parents. | Help available for all carers - Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Stepparents, Friends and Other Relatives. | Call parentline free 24 hours a day 0808 800 2222
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Special Needs And Parents (SNAP) | SNAP is a registered charity (No.1077787) that helps Essex families who have children aged 0-25 years with special needs and disabilities. The children's disabilities are wide-ranging including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, sensory impairment, speech and language difficulties and learning disabilities. If you are an Essex parent of a child with a special need or disability please get in touch by email or phone; the helpline is open 0830 to 1700. | Tel 01277 211300 or email info@snapcharity.org